In simple terms, a keylogger (KL) or keylogger in French, is a tool designed to capture all the keys typed on a computer, through software or a hardware device. This practice of capturing keyboard keys is also called keylogging or keylogging. Although keyloggers are not illegal, their use is often linked to malicious operations.
Positive uses of a keylogger
Although they are used for illicit purposes, keyloggers are in some cases used in constructive ways. Used wisely, this tool can help parents monitor their children's computer activities or employers determine how their employees use their computers during work time. However, it is worth mentioning that this must be done with the consent of the employees. A keylogger can also be used to protect (record) passwords and other data in the event of an operating system crash (but there are arguably better ways to do this). Recently, scientists have used keyboard recording as a research tool to analyze human writing processes.
Malicious uses of a keylogger
As the name suggests, the purpose of a keylogger is to record every keystroke on the target computer, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Unfortunately, more often than not, the use of a keylogger is linked to malicious activity. Cybercriminals widely use KL programs to steal confidential information from victims, such as their credit card numbers, passwords, personal emails, banking credentials, driving license numbers, etc.
The different types of keyloggers
As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of keylogger devices. The software version and the hardware version. It is important to understand the differences between these two types of keyloggers, software or physical hardware. Although the most common version is the software version, it is also worth investigating how the hardware KL works.
The keylogger device
Usually consists of a small chip or cable physically attached to a desktop or laptop computer.
Most KL devices can be easily removed.
Retrieves information that can be used with a coordinated computer program even after the chip or wire is removed.
This is generally the type of keylogger favored by companies that want to monitor their employees.
Unlike software keyloggers, firmware versions of a KL device can be attached to the device's BIOS and record data as soon as the computer is turned on.
Wireless KL sniffer systems can intercept communication between wireless keyboards and a computer.
Keylogger software
Unfortunately, keylogging software is much harder to detect. There are several different categories that use varying methods and techniques, but in general we can establish that:
This is usually software installed secretly on your computer by a hacker. It can either be downloaded directly to the host computer (e.g. via phishing attacks) or installed remotely.
Most common software keyloggers only record computer keyboard activity, but there are modified versions that can also take screenshots and record the clipboard as well.
Less common KL software includes those based on: Javascript (infesting websites), APIs (running from an application), and web forms (records all data submitted to web forms).
Protect yourself from hardware keyloggers
It is very unlikely that you will ever be hit by a hardware (or device) keylogger, especially in the privacy of your home. However, it is a possibility in a public environment. Since a hardware keylogger typically uses a USB port to operate, your main defense will be to perform regular checks of your computer's USB ports.
When you type sensitive information, such as a password, you can also use your mouse to confuse the keylogger if applicable. For example, you first type the last character of your password, then move your cursor to type the rest. The keylogger then records as if the last character were the first. Selecting and replacing text while typing is also a possibility. You can try several variations of these recommendations or other deceptive typing techniques. However, they are not completely effective and may not work with more sophisticated keyloggers, such as those that also record screen or mouse activity.
Protect yourself from keylogging software
Software keyloggers are harder to detect, but installing a quality antivirus will protect you in most cases.
Installing anti-keylogger software is also a possibility, as they are specifically designed to detect, remove, and prevent keylogger attacks.
Be careful with attachments and links included in emails. Also avoid clicking on advertisements and websites of unknown origins.
Keep your software applications and operating system up to date.
Any user who uses internet banking or any other online activity involving money should be particularly vigilant (cryptocurrency enthusiasts and traders included).
How to detect and remove a keylogger
The easiest way to detect keylogger software is to check running system processes. If something seems strange, you should search online and try to find out if it is an official program or a known keylogger. Let us add that it may also be wise to examine the traffic leaving your computer.
Getting rid of a software keylogger isn't always easy, but it can be done. You should first try to install an anti-keylogger program on your system and check if it can be removed. If your computer is still acting strange and you think the anti-keylogger program was not able to fix the problem, you will probably need to completely format and reinstall your operating system.